I'm with you on the paste vs tape thing—tape always seems to have a mind of its own. But I'm curious, have you tried using both together? I've had decent luck applying a thin layer of paste over the tape. Seems to give a bit more security against those sneaky leaks, especially on threaded connections.
But yeah, subtle leaks are the absolute worst. I remember helping my brother-in-law redo his bathroom sink plumbing. Everything looked perfect, no drips, no leaks... until about two weeks later when he noticed the cabinet bottom was warped and damp. Turns out there was this tiny drip that only happened when the faucet was running full blast. Took forever to track it down.
I guess that's where hiring a pro comes in handy—they know exactly what to look for and how to test it properly. DIY plumbing can be really satisfying (and budget-friendly), but if you're doing something major or complicated, having someone experienced double-check your work might save you headaches down the road.
Have you considered maybe doing most of the work yourself and then just bringing in a plumber for a quick inspection afterward? Could be a good compromise between saving money and getting peace of mind...
I've actually tried the paste-over-tape method you mentioned, and yeah, it does seem to hold up better. Still, I think there's a point where DIY confidence hits a wall—especially after hearing your brother-in-law's sneaky leak story. Makes me wonder if it's worth risking hidden water damage just to save a few bucks... Maybe the hybrid approach you suggested (DIY first, pro inspection later) is the sweet spot. Might give it a shot next time around.
I've been down that road myself—DIY plumbing fixes can feel pretty satisfying until you uncover a hidden disaster months later. Learned that the hard way with my old Victorian's upstairs bathroom... thought I'd nailed it until the ceiling downstairs started showing suspicious stains. Honestly, the hybrid approach sounds sensible, but how do you decide when your DIY fix is solid enough to justify skipping the pro inspection altogether? Seems like a tricky judgment call.
I've found that the decision usually hinges on a few key factors—complexity of the fix, potential consequences if something goes wrong, and how confident you feel about your work. For straightforward tasks like replacing faucets or unclogging drains, a careful DIY job is generally fine without professional oversight. But when you're dealing with hidden plumbing (especially in older homes like your Victorian), it's trickier. Personally, I always pressure-test my repairs whenever possible—hooking up a gauge and letting it sit overnight can reveal slow leaks you'd otherwise miss. Also, keep an eye out for subtle signs afterward: slight drops in water pressure, odd noises in pipes, or even tiny moisture spots appearing days later. If any doubts linger after these checks, that's usually my cue to call in a pro for peace of mind. Better safe than sorry... learned that lesson myself after a basement flood incident years ago.
Good points all around, especially about pressure-testing—it's a step many DIYers overlook. I invest in older properties myself, and plumbing is always one of those areas that can surprise you. Even if you're careful, hidden leaks behind walls or beneath floors can go unnoticed for weeks or months, causing slow but serious damage. Your suggestion about checking for subtle signs afterward is spot-on; I've caught more than one sneaky leak just by noticing a slight discoloration on drywall or a faint musty smell.
That said, I think confidence in your skills is key too. I've seen some DIYers handle pretty complex plumbing tasks successfully because they took their time and did thorough research beforehand. But you're right—if there's any lingering doubt, especially with something as unforgiving as water damage, calling in a pro is usually the smarter move. Learned that myself after dealing with mold remediation from a hidden leak... definitely not fun.